Good morning, Ithaca.

Qualcomm acquired Exostellar, a Cornell startup (in Ithaca) founded in 2018, in March.

The company developed software to make AI work faster and cheaper and will have its technology join Qualcomm's AI products.

The Chainsmokers will headline Slope Day 2026 at Cornell's Libe Slope on May 6 — with guest performer Daya and a winning student DJ announced on Instagram on Thursday.

Limited guest tickets for seniors will be available for purchase.

A study released in Agricultural Systems shows grass-fed beef can compete with grain-fed beef in New York if local farmers join forces and expand operations, which could lower costs by 24%.

Researchers say expanding farm cooperatives (like those used in dairy) could secure a safer supply and benefit producers.

On Wednesday, Apr. 22 the Trevor Pinch Memorial Lecture Series will launch on Earth Day at Atkinson Hall, room 121, where sociologist Steven Yearley will discuss carbon sinks and climate policy at 3:30 p.m. The free event welcomes the public.

Cornell celebrated the launch of the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope on Apr.

8 in Chile, where university leaders + international astronomers inaugurated the world’s most powerful telescope of its kind. The telescope will map the universe’s evolution and probe galaxy clusters.

Fred Rubinstein, an alumnus of Cornell, endowed the Susan August Rubinstein Professorship in the Department of Government to honor his late wife’s commitment to civic engagement; the gift supports the College of Arts and Sciences in teaching public participation in Ithaca.

Ithaca College’s Faculty Council met April 7 to review updates on the reaccreditation process and held a confidential session about using artificial intelligence in the classroom.

Student representatives and select community members attended, and recommendations will be released in June.

Forecasters warn that strong winds (20-30 mph) and low humidity (20-35%) are creating an elevated wildfire risk in the region, keeping the statewide ban on outdoor brush burning in effect until the DEC lifts it in mid-May.

During its Thursday meeting, the Cornell Student Assembly passed a five-year plan to phase out single-use plastics on campus – the measure will replace them with reusables and compostable options while allowing exemptions for research, medical use and emergencies.

Wegmans has recalled some 2-pound bags of Lundberg Organic Jasmine White Rice because they may contain foreign material; customers may return the product for a full refund at local stores.

A new study by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and the city shows Ithaca’s storefront vacancy rate dropped from about 16% in August to 10.9%, with over six new businesses opening downtown so far in 2026.

On Wednesday, Ithaca College men's lacrosse rallied in the fourth quarter to beat RIT 9-8 after scoring three straight goals.

Ithaca junior Will Kleine scored three goals and Lucas Proctor tallied three assists, improving the Bombers' record to 8-4 while ending RIT's seven-game win streak.

Cornell softball made a comeback against Penn by overturning a seven-run deficit and evened a series with Colgate.

The team will travel to Hanover (12:30 p.m. on Saturday) to face Dartmouth Big Green at Dartmouth Softball Park.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bailey Hall — Check event page for pricing — Experience the vibrant fusion of cultures through Flamenco in a captivating new production.

Kendall Street Company Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — The Nocturnal Café — $15 adv/$20 dos — Experience an eclectic rock show filled with humor and musical improvisation.

John Butler Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Experience the rhythmic brilliance of John Butler live as he showcases his latest album PRISM.

One Night With You: Elvis Dinner Show

6-8 p.m. — K-HOUSE Karaoke & Arts Hub — $35 per person — Enjoy an evening of Elvis' classic songs and storytelling paired with a delicious dinner in an intimate setting.

The Steel Wheels Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Hangar Theatre — Ticket details available online — Enjoy an evening of live music by The Steel Wheels.